New Year Skin Resolutions

New Year/New You!

Now that 2014 is here, there is no better time to reassess your skincare. And (*sigh*) Another year means another birthday (and another year older) but that doesn't mean your skin has to show it.
After all- HOW OLD YOU ARE IS YOUR BUSINESS, HOW OLD YOU LOOK IS OURS!

That's why The Skin Gurus have compiled an easy list of skin care resolutions for the New Year to help keep your skin looking fresh and young!

USE A GOOD CLEANSER!
The basis of any good skin care regime is a fresh canvas to work with. Failing to properly clean your skin will result in a buildup of product, make up, oil and debris.
Personally, I don't care care what cleanser you use as long as it is the correct type of cleanser for your skin. Sure, you can use a $50 cleanser if you like...but i would rather you spend your money where it counts (more on that later). Know your skin type. If you are oily, get shiny throughout the day, or are acne prone-then use a foaming or gel cleanser. If you are dry or have mature skin-then go with a creamy or milky cleanser.
You never want to use a cleanser that leaves you feeling squeaky clean and tight. All that does is strip the acid mantle (I'll talk more about that in my acne blog) and promote dryness. You should use a cleanser that removes your make up without throwing your skin into a tailspin. OTC suggestions are Cetaphil or Neutrogena.
Cleanse both AM and PM. We HIGHLY recommend investing in a Clarisonic facial cleansing brush. They have many different models depending on your budget and how many bells & whistles you want. But buy one now and thank me later. The drugstore brushes with the rotating heads just wont do the trick. The ultrasonic wave component is the key to a good cleanse. These brushes last for years!! However, you will need to periodically get a new brush head (usually around $25). Use it once per day.

WEAR SUNBLOCK!
The biggest culprit in aging skin is UV exposure. Whether you are vacationing at the beach (in which case, TAKE ME WITH YOU!) or running to the grocery store (yeh- that's more my life) you are exposed to the harmful rays of the sun. The old adage still rings true-an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I'll talk more in future blogs about SPF and what you need. Our all time favorite sunblock is the Elta MD line. It provides superior protection using micronized zinc (meaning it wont look white and pasty). They have different options:
a moisturizing SPF for dry skin, oil free for oily/acne prone, tinted for those who don't wear much make up or a special blend for reactive skin types like melasma, rosacea or acne prone. Hands down, the best sunblock out there. You can usually find this in physicians offices for around $30.

HUMAN GROWTH FACTORS ARE KEY!
Formulated from naturally occurring growth factors, anti oxidants, soluble collagen and matrix proteins-these serums will reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, diminish age spots and improve tone, texture and elasticity. Our all time favorite is TNS Essential Serum by SkinMedica. The clinical results are unparalleled.
TNS Essential Serum is your one stop shop for anti oxidants and anti aging. Available through physicians for around $250. No, it's not cheap, which is why i told you earlier to save your money for the products that really count. and THIS. IS. IT.  I have tried many others (i should post a pic of the 4 tiered spice rack full of products by my bathroom sink!) and ALWAYS come back to this one. One bottle (using 1 pump twice per day) will last you about 45 days. So, around $5/day (give up the daily latte if you have to!) It really takes 90 days to see the improvement so don't get discouraged. That's just how long it takes to build your collagen matrix before you visibly see the changes. Consistency is KEY!

DRINK YOUR H20!
Almost nobody I know (myself included) drinks nearly as much water as we need. Proper hydration will plump up your skin cells that helps to improve the appearance of fine lines and give the skin a healthy glow. Eight glasses a day is the minimum suggested amount and your skin will thank you for it. There is even a free app for your phone to remind you to drink your 64 oz throughout the day! No Excuses! Drink more water!

GET YOUR BEAUTY SLEEP!
During the night, our skin restores itself from the effects of the day: stress, make up and harmful elements. Inadequate sleep can manifest with unwanted dark circles, bags and deeper appearance of fine lines so be sure and rest up!

There you go, gang! Simple things you can do to kick off the new year the right way!!
Happy New Year from The Skin Gurus!!!